The biggest piece of the Atlanta Braves' offensive struggles has been the incredible regression of both Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris. While poor situational hitting and inconsistent outfield production can also be pointed to, if the two experienced starters are anywhere near their respective career norms, the conversation is completely different. It is hard to pin down why both players have taken such a drastic step back in the 2025 season. For Albies, last year's step back was shrugged off as being due to a myriad of injuries. However, the infielder has long been healthy and still hasn't returned to the offensive player he was prior to last season.
Harris is walking in a similar path with his numbers falling far below his career norms. Things were so dark for the outfielder that even his incredible glove had to be taken out of the lineup. To make such a decision speaks to the poor quality of at-bats that were being offered. It seemed the team's only path was to demote the outfielder in hopes of sparking a change. Before making this difficult decision, manager Brian Snitker opted to bench Harris first to see if this would breathe any life back into the outfielder's bat.
The Braves' Offensive Outburst Included Contributions from Albies and Harris
Both of the struggling hitters had an impressive performance against the Angels, going 2/4 each, collecting multiple hits. This in itself is an incredible rarity; the fact that it happened on the same night for both players helps explain the offensive outburst. All of this is building up to a sense of hope that perhaps one or both players are turning the corner.
This is who the Braves are supposed to be offensively. A deep lineup that is capable of going on a run from nearly any position. Only shortstop Nick Allen is supposed to be an easy out, with the rest of the lineup expected to be above average at the plate. This hasn't described either of Atlanta's struggling hitters in the 2025 season.
But perhaps this game will serve as a jumping-off point for Harris and Albies to begin to turn their respective seasons around. This in itself would fix Atlanta's offense and give legitimate hope that the Braves could still end the season with a winning record. A feat that should be the team's new focus, with mounting injuries and a lineup that remains impossible to predict.